By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said they aim to raise awareness regarding bullying and cyberbullying in schools, as learners are commencing their 2025 school calendar year. The police said victims of bullying and or cyberbullying can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said it can lead to emotional and physical harm, loss of self-esteem, feelings of shame and anxiety, concentration and learning difficulties and in some instances, young people committing suicide. Sam said young people therefore need to realise that, depending on the nature of the acts, cyber bullying and bullying are criminal offences and the perpetrator may be criminally charged with crimen injuria, assault and or criminal defamation, accompanied by a criminal record.

“The police request that the safety hints for the prevention of cyberbullying and bullying in schools be adhered to. Do not respond, if someone bullies you. Remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you, so do not retaliate. Responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour.

“Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression. Save the evidence, online messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. Save evidence even if it is minor as cyberbullying can escalate. Block the bully, use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it happens while you are chatting, leave the room or area,” he said.

He further said learners should report any abusive comments to the social media website administrators. Sam added that, they should reach out for help, talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help.

“Parents and teachers need to spot the warning signs of cyberbullying. Check if your child becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the internet or a cellular phone. Note if your child appears anxious when receiving a text, email, or have been on social media websites.

“Take note if your child avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities. Check if your child withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed. Note if your child refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities,” he said.

Sam urges parents to see if their children illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety. He said parents can prevent cyberbullying before it starts by teaching your children to block communication with cyberbullies.

“Not post or share their personal information online, including their full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or their friends’ personal information. Not share their internet passwords with anyone. Not to talk about or share information about their life online. Not put anything online that they would not want their classmates to see. Not send messages when they are angry or upset.

“Always be as polite online as they are in person. The police will continue with campaigns and programmes at schools and communities in the Northern Cape province to address bullying and cyber bullying in order to promote safer schools,” said Sam.

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